The flurry of holiday spirit arrives in downtown Port Coquitlam Nov. 25 and 26 with family activities, entertainment, an artisan market and more.

Christmas in Leigh Square is back to kick off the holidays in Port Coquitlam, along with the popular Winter Artisan Market and exciting new features. Event-goers can support local businesses and artisans, enjoy food trucks, a site wide sip-n-shop from local craft breweries and distillery, official lighting of City Hall and Leigh Square, holiday craft making, music and live entertainment.

Event Schedule and Details:

Fri. Nov. 25, 4-8 p.m. Winter Artisan Market – Gift-seekers will find handmade treasures, quality art, fine crafts, fresh crepes and other refreshments, while enjoying live performances on the bandshell. Admission is free, and more information can be found at pocochristmasfair.com.

Heritage ornament making in the museum at PoCo Heritage from 4-8 p.m. By donation.

Sat. Nov. 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The activities continue on Nov. 26, with a day full of activities including the continuing Winter Artisan Market, food trucks, site wide sip-n-shop, hands on crafts and storytime by the Terry Fox Library.

• 12 – 4 p.m. – Photos with Santa at the Outlet – by cash donation (courtesy of PoCo Heritage)
• 1-5 p.m. – Hot apple cider outdoors (courtesy of Astoria)
• 4:45 p.m. – Make sure to be at the bandshell at 4:45 p.m. for the lighting ceremony, when City Hall and Leigh Square will be lit up for the holidays.

The weekend also kicks off the 10^th Annual PoCo Heritage Christmas Tree Festival, which invites the public to vote for their favourite tree. The festival, a fundraiser for PoCo Heritage, runs from Fri. Nov. 26 to Dec. 16. More information is available at downtownpocobia.com.

Additional Holiday Events and Activities

Spread holiday joy and make the cover of the City’s Christmas card. Port Coquitlam is inviting children and youth to help spread more cheer this holiday season by submitting holiday-themed artwork by Nov. 25. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/artwork.

Brighten up the community with lights, shopping local and giving back. The 12 days of Christmas holiday campaign is launching once again in Port Coquitlam on Dec. 1, encouraging residents to help brighten up their community and support local businesses and charities by submitting night-time photos of their brightly-lit homes. Residents can submit their photos from Dec. 1 to 12 and be entered to win a $100 gift card. 12 winners can choose a $50 gift card from any licensed business in Port Coquitlam and to match, the Port Coquitlam Downtown Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA) will also giveaway 12 $50 gift cards from a local downtown business. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/brightenpoco.

The 24^th annual Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train rolling into Port Coquitlam on Sun. Dec. 18 (6:15 p.m. arrival, 6:30-6:45 p.m. show). The Port Coquitlam stop at Kingsway Avenue between Mary Hill Road and Wilson Avenue marks the end of the train’s cross-country journey with performances by MacKenzie Porter and Virginia to Vegas. Details at cpr.ca/holidaytrain.

Dec. 2, 3 and 16 – Drop and Shop! (6-12yrs) – The Outlet
Get your holiday shopping done while our instructors help your child/children create an artistic gift and gift bag for someone special! Or watch a holiday themed movie in our Michael Wright Art Gallery. Children are encouraged to bring snacks and their favorite blanket and pillow. Fee: $20 Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register for details.

Dec. 3 and 10 – 2:30 p.m. – Holiday Ornament Making – Port Coquitlam Community Centre
Make your own pottery heirloom ornaments! This workshop will give participants the opportunity to decorate a pottery ornament with their own unique design. All tools, materials and instruction will be provided. When finished, each ornament will be clear glazed and fired in the kiln. Fee: $25. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register for details.

Dec. 6 and 13 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Make Your Own Holiday Ceramic Tile – The Outlet
Decorate your home, or gift someone an ornamental clay tile, made by you! Explore the art of shaping this medium into a unique gift. In the first session, participants will learn basic techniques of working with clay: wedging, slab-making and surface decoration. The second session will focus on painting. The tile will be glazed and fired, ready for pick up one week after. Fee: $35. Barcode: #74401. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register to register. 

Dec. 7 – 6 – 8 p.m. – Holiday Centerpiece Workshop – The Outlet
Create a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table! Bring your creativity; we’ll provide a container, tree clippings, pinecones, and decorative materials. Fee: $25. Barcode: #74397. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register to register. 

Dec. 9 and 10 – Wreath Workshop – The Outlet
Create a unique holiday wreath. Bring your creativity; we’ll provide the tree clippings, pinecones, and decorative materials. If you have a wreath form, please bring it to the workshop. Fee: $25. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register for details. 

Dec 13 and 20, 7-9 p.m. – Calligraphy – The Outlet
Decorate your holiday cards and gift tags with your own unique, beautiful handwriting. Learn the art of lettering using authentic calligraphy dip pens and ink. Tools and paper will be provided. Fee: $30. Barcode: #74399. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/register to register. 

Sun. Dec. 18, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. – Skate with Santa at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Come skate with Santa and his helpers.

Sat. Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Day Skate at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Drop in with friends and family to enjoy a festive skate.

• 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Family Play and Skate
• 10 – 11:30 a.m  and 12 – 1:30 p.m. – Ring, Stick and Puck $4
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve day skate

Sat. Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Day Skate at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends.

• 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Ring, Stick and Puck $4
• 9:30 – 11:00 a.m  and 12 – 1:30 p.m. – Family Play and Skate
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – New Year’s Eve day skate

Donations for the SHARE food bank will be accepted at all activities and events.

Learn more about the event at portcoquitlam.ca/winterinthecity. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca